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She Is!!

One of the great things about the fall is a trip to State College and the Penn State University. My wife Janet is an enthusiastic alumna and her love for Penn State has no bounds. Her best friends in the world are her PSU friends, and she loves to make the trip to Happy Valley especially in the fall when the leaves are at their peak- like this past week. I go along, but I am not an alumnus, however I do enjoy State College. We spent many a weekend there back in the day going to the football games. Mike Smith and I would ride mountain bikes at Rothrock State Forest and come to the tailgates famished.

Some of the PSU crowd at our son Jack’s wedding this past summer.
The PSU girls at Jack and Marisa’s Wedding.

As is our typical fashion, Janet and I like to pack in as much as we can and check all the Penn State boxes. Stay at the Nittany Lion Inn, hike Mt. Nittany, shop downtown, eat a Tuna hoagie at Troy’s, ice cream at the Creamery, and now a new box to check- ride some rails to trails on the bicycles. We found a great rail to trail- The Bellefonte Central Rail Trail which starts right in State College. We rode it to the end in Toftrees, and continued on a beautiful gravel trail for several more miles. This part of the trail is not officially part of the Central Rail Trail, but it is easily navigated on mountain bikes for several miles. We actually had to turn around because of time, but we both said next time- we would ride that trail to the end and see where it finished. In any event, Janet likes rail to trail rides, and Happy Valley provided a great option complete with fabulous leaf peeping.

Aside from the cycling, hiking Mt. Nittany is always special. Janet remarked that it seemed harder this year going straight up with all the rocks. I laughed and said- “maybe it gets harder every year?” But she made it to the top and we had that awesome view of Happy Valley with the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium standing at attention.

The view from the top of Mt. Nittany
A true fan!!!

We like to eat at the Cafe LeMont, which is just below Mt. Nittany. Great baked goods, coffee and lunch specials. You can sit outside and enjoy the fall weather. Nice place to eat as fuel for the hike, or a place to relax afterwards. Either way, the Cafe LeMont is a good place to visit when in Happy Valley.

We walked all around town and the campus. Janet was showing me where she took some classes and she was amazed at all the building and construction that has taken place over the years since she has graduated. It is good to stay active in State College because you can easily eat your way through the place. Lunch at the Corner Room was great and it gave Janet a lot of good memories of her times there in the past with her pals, Kathy, Judy, Valerie, Beth, Dunz and Copes. Lots of good stories were told sitting at the Corner Room and I had a good laugh at some of them- which I had not heard before. Nothing like memories of your old college days.

The Nittany Lion standing guard always.
Ice Cream at the Creamery. A must stop.

Penn State is huge, and the enrollment there has always been robust. Much different from my college days at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. The small school experience has its plusses and minuses, but there is no dispute that the time spent as a student at PSU has to be great. So much to do, a wonderful education no matter what the field of study, and the absolute beauty of State College and the surrounding central mountains of Pennsylvania make it the experience of a lifetime. I am happy Janet got to experience that and that she still values her time there. We love the fall and there is no place nicer than Happy Valley this time of year. I am “Happy” she brings me along. Thanks for reading. Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

“Be true to your school- just like you would to your girl now, be true to your school, and let your colors fly………..

-The Beach Boys.

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The Man and His Dog

So, I had the nice experience of riding in the beautiful Laurel Highlands this past weekend with three good friends. John Casuccio, Jeff” The Ride King” Wuerthele, and his dog Wilson. The leaves were beautiful and the conditions on the trails were dry, and it made the rock riding a little more pleasant. And Wilson is a great trail dog. He is named after the volleyball in the Tom Hanks movie and actually had a lot of the same traits. Quiet with a nice smile on his face. He is a rescue dog which Jeff has the habit of adopting. We talked about all the dogs that Jeff has had along on rides that he adopted over the years but somehow Wilson seems to be the most pleasant one so far- at least in my mind. I am not a dog guy but have ridden with all of Jeff’s dogs in the past. But the perceived smile on Wilson’s face was heartwarming to me and his behavior on the trail was exemplary……..for a dog.

The Ride King and John Casuccio- two legends of local trails.

We like to call Jeff the Ride King because, back in the day, he was always putting on rides out of his place up in the mountains. He was one of the seminal people in mountain biking around here with his work with the iconic Dirt Rag Magazine, and also being a rep in the bicycle industry for many years. He is now retired but is still quite active in maintaining trail systems in the Laurel Highlands, playing golf, and enjoying the outdoors. No grass grows under The Ride King’s feet. And none under Wilson’s either.

Beautiful fall day at Wolf’s Rocks

I have been on many mountain bike rides with dogs in the past. Chuck Greenlee had a dog once, who we termed as a great rider. She would run up the hills ahead of us and not get in the way, and when we descended, she knew enough to go to the back of the group and follow because at that point, she was slower than the rest. Wilson has similar traits and would know enough to run either ahead of us or behind us and the only time we stopped was when Jeff wanted to make sure Wilson had something to drink out of the local streams. Wilson would drink and recover and off he would go again – with that great dog smile. He always would seem to check on us when we would stop for a break, coming up to each of us and making sure we were having a good time. He seems to be a very perceptive dog, and Jeff has trained him well.

It was great to ride with John and Jeff as they are old friends with whom I have logged a lot of miles on the trails and ski slopes over the years. The cool thing about mountain biking is that, like skiing, it is a very social sport with a lot of conversation on the rides about many topics. Riding in the Zone 2 at our age allows for conversation. I like that. And to have Wilson along was an added plus. I don’t ride with dogs all that often, but I am used to that with The Ride King. He always brings us a pleasant surprise with his dogs over the years ,and it is amazing how well they………..well, ………..ride. His dogs are good riders- like Chuck Greenlee’s dogs.

One final note about mountain biking- it brings some different characters together. John and I are rather similar in our approach to things, but The Ride King is one of my more free- spirited friends. He lives in the mountains and has that free -flowing approach to life. More spontaneity and casual attitude are good traits to have and that is why I have always liked to be in the presence of The Ride King. He keeps me loose and has a great sense of humor and frankly, he is fun to be with. And now with Wilson, the fun times are doubled. John and I enjoyed our fall ride with them and the older I get, the more I like smaller rides like this with one or two friends and ………….a dog. Here Wilson!!!!! Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com and please subscribe. It is free, it helps me and I don’t get paid. I just like to write. A fun hobby. Thanks.

“Let go of bitterness. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.” Ephesians 4:32

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The Only Constant is Change

Top of North Face at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in the fall.

So, this is the time of year when I start thinking in earnest about skiing. The days and nights are cooler, the leaves are starting to change, and the ski areas are testing out their new snowmaking equipment. People are starting to think about new equipment, and getting trips organized, passes bought, everything in line so that when the first flakes start to fall, we are ready.

Another new pair of boards for me this season.

The amazing thing is that every year, there is something new in the ski world. HKD Snowmakers have come out with new technology that automates snowmaking along with new guns that are more efficient in terms of energy use. http://www.hkdsnowmakers.com There is also new technology that helps your skiing by giving you digital feedback from sensors in your boots. The sensors show degree of edge angle for each turn you make and then it is downloaded for analysis or a coach’s analysis to see where improvements might be made. https://getcarv.com The technology is called CARV and it has been around for a little bit and is endorsed by a lot of coaches, PSIA and Mr. Carved Turn himself- Ted Ligety.

Dreams of our local Laurel Mountain coming back on line.

El Nino might bring this kind of snow back to the west this year.

Another new advancement in technology this year is with a ski coaching app, sensors, and digital feedback called Protern https://protern.io This technology has sensors and cameras on the racecourse, and also sensors on the ski racers themselves, that allow photos to be taken with digital feedback overlays that can show a skier in real time where they are losing time. The ski run is shown and the digital speed and turn information is overlayed with graphs to show the coaches and the racers exactly what is happening in each turn on a racecourse and allowing the data and photography to instantly show useful information after each run. Ski instructors and coaches have used video for many years, but this technology enhances the video with data that can show exactly where improvements might be made for each turn. This tech is also used for free skiing and can be useful in a ski lesson for the general public. The data eliminates subjective commentary from a coach or instructor and allows real information to present itself to the student or racer. An adept coach or instructor will value the information provided and use it to show with no mistake, where improvement can be made.

Daly Chutes at Deer Valley. Coming soon.

Equipment has changed over the years and this season is no exception. The trend is to go back to a more reasonable width under foot for most skis. There are still the powder, big mountain, frontside categories for skis but the trend is moving away from wider skis to a more versatile ski with a reasonable measurement in width under foot. This thinking takes in the ability to create high edge angles when needed ( perhaps using CARV) but at the same time, allow for use in off piste conditions. The tech is moving more towards a one ski quiver for the recreational skier. Something changes each season and it is interesting to watch.

As a guy who has skied for 65 years, I have seen a lot of tech changes. But skiing tends to develop trends that change constantly, and therefore the only constant is change. I am not jaded enough to think that marketing only, dictates these changes, but I also am wary of fads which come and go. I like Stockli skis because they are not only still hand made in Switzerland, but rely on race feedback and good design to produce a quality ski. They have a whole spectrum of skis for different conditions and customers. But the solid technology of the handmade ski is present in every variation of their product.

I ski on Lange RS130 boots. Have done so for years because I like the fit and performance. Rumor has it that they might be discontinuing this line of Lange boots and moving more to a boa closure. I will probably buy a new pair of the existing RS 130 and let the tech change fall where it may. Not a fan of anything but a good ski buckle closure. But that is just me.

So, yes, the only constant is change. We can either embrace it or not. And the older I get, the more I think that I better get on board with most tech changes, or I will be left behind for sure. But thankfully, some things do not change. Things like the people you ski with. Friendships that have been created over years on the slopes. There is nothing like a ski trip together that creates memories that last a lifetime. I look forward to it every season and so does Janet. I have my local group(Jaime and Melissa, Dixon, Porter, Johnny Mac, Eric S, Chip G, Hiller, Paul B, the Shark, Daryl,Ned,Bob P,Tim S,Rus,Angelo,Chris), and a host of other characters that I so look forward to seeing again in the coming months at Laurel Mountain. We also have our pals the Smittys, Ralph and Amy, Eric and Helen, Tom and Patter, who we will visit out west and once again have a great time together. Yes, it is a pain to haul the equipment through the airports and fight the weather all the way to the resorts. But once you click into your bindings, it is all worthwhile especially with all of your friends. And locally, all I have to do is put the equipment in the Jeep and head to the Laurels. I get out, take the skis across the street, and change into our boots by the warmth of the fireplace in the lodge which is on the top of the mountain. Friendships never change and the ski crowd is so much fun. They are constant – that is for sure. Thanks for reading. Think snow.

“Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” 1John-3:18

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Wisdom of Mentors.
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Ba Da Dah Dah Da!

So, I was in Chicago last week for the Supplier of the Year Festivities for McDonald’s and Armada Supply Chain Solutions ( my employer). Armada was named Supplier of the Year and a large group of us went to the celebration and it was very gratifying to all of us as supporters of the Golden Arches. Lots of commentary about what a valued partner Armada is in the system, supporting McDonald’s, and memories and anecdotes of the long 50 year history between the two companies. I have had the good fortune of working for Armada for 27 years and I will be retiring in the spring with many fond memories of my time managing Customer Service ( now called Client Support), Field Service, and now with the Client Solutions Group. I have so many good stories about my time on the road as the “fix it” guy visiting suppliers and distribution centers nationwide. A really good experience but it is becoming time to move on to the next chapter of my life.

A lot of years supporting this guy.

I was riding mountain bikes the other day with our new CEO and another colleague, and told them about all the good times I have had working for Armada. I made a lot of friends in the DC and Supplier community. I found all the cyclists and skiers and made a point to get together with them on the roads, trails and slopes having fun and discussing how we could service their account better. Nothing like the atmosphere in the outdoors followed by a cold one and dinner to handle even the most complex business issues. I always said that the way to service an account and service the customer was to get to know them, break bread with them, and have fun with them. The result is that you establish a baseline of relationship that can help you in many ways when you have an issue. The really nice thing is that many of these people are still my friends even after they have retired. We still keep in touch, and I can honestly say I really like them. The business was always about relationships.

A cycling outing put together by a good client.
Always skied the west with customers.
Took my good friends to an outing at Arapahoe Basin.

Looking back, I always felt that work was an end to a means. A way to make money to enjoy the things I really liked in life. I was never one for climbing any corporate ladders, and never thought much of titles. But I always felt responsible to do a good job and earn my keep. It has always been fun getting to know people in the McDonald’s system and I certainly enjoyed my time with them. But as the years went on, I also felt a responsibility to Armada to do a good job for our company. I wanted to be a good representative and help the customer which ultimately helped us. When problems arose, because I established a good relationship with suppliers and distribution center personnel, I was able to navigate even the most trying issues. And sometimes when things got a little tense, I could lighten up the situation because I got to know them. I would always say….” how bad can it be? We all work for the clown.” They would chuckle and we would be on our way to dinner, lunch, or a fun day on the slopes or on the road bike, or even on the golf course- hopefully in a scramble. Golf was not my strong suit, but at the RMHC outings, it was fun to walk around and whack the ball with the folks that had become my friends in the system and support a truly outstanding enterprise- Ronald McDonald House Charities.

I will miss the times with our customers and suppliers, but I will always look back and be proud to have been lovingly called the Director of Happiness. I made it a point to take care of our customers especially when it hit the fan. Weekends, nights, holidays, but all worth it looking back at a wonderful time in my life with a great company.

Looking ahead, Janet’s cousin Jeff- who was a world class surgeon, always said.” Pat- you have to have something to retire to.” I agree and I am sure I will figure that all out in the coming months ahead. But in the meantime, I will cherish times like the Supplier of the Year events and wrapping up my time serving a truly great system with many people who will always be my friends. Thanks for reading.

“Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you, for they are blessings in disguise.” Proverbs-13:20

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

PPP( Pat’s Pleasant Peddling)
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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Wild 100
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Packin’ it In!

So, our one and only, Jack, was married a week ago and we were so happy for him and his new bride Marisa. Our friend Mark Sauers was the celebrant as he is studying for the ministry in the Assembly of God Church. The Apple Blossom Resort was an outstanding venue in New Buffalo, Michigan and the town itself is a real gem situated on Lake Michigan. We took advantage of seeing the town and spending some time on the beach and at the Stray Dog Cafe which had a great view from the rooftop dining area. We always make the most out of visits and Michigan was no different.

Riding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We drove from home and brought our mountain bikes. In typical Jan and Pat style, we tried to pack in as much as we could including some rides in and around New Buffalo. We found a nice county park right near the venue with some nice singletrack trails and found a wonderful overlook that rose high above a marsh. Wonderful way to get a little exercise between wedding duties and festivities.

From the overlook to the marsh-
New Buffalo Beach
Sunsets in Traverse City.

Heading north after the wedding, we made our way to Traverse City which, if you have not been there, make a point to visit some day. Sitting on the Great Traverse Bay, it has some wonderful restaurants for fresh, lake caught seafood. Recommending the Apache Trout Restaurant, The West End Tavern, and The Cove in a nice little beach town called Fishtown. Janet and I like fresh seafood and the walleye, whitefish, and perch were second to none.

Staying at the Tamarack Lodge which was right on the bay, we were treated to spectacular sunsets and nightly visits from our friend and her babies pictured below.

The evening visitor

I love nature and when nature comes right up to you looking for a snack, you can’t help but oblige.

The highlight of packing it in was our visit to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The bike path through the park was smooth and pleasant and it offered views of the bay as well as an entry to great little towns like Glen Arbor. Typical beachy town with cool little shops and cafes. We would recommend the Good Harbor Grille with an excellent squash soup and a blackened whitefish sandwich. It was cool to see the expansive dunes and also the large dune which people climb and descend. We just rode our bikes and saw the dunes from the parking lot to the Dune Climb, and also from the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

The expansive dunes overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay and into Lake Michigan.
View from the Apache Trout Restaurant.

I have this tendency to try to see as much as I can whenever I travel. Janet goes along, but sometimes I wear her out trying to pack it in. But my view is that there are no guarantees once you get older, and you better take advantage of as much as you can – especially in a new place. We were quite busy for the wedding, as you can imagine, but it was nice to get out and get some exercise, see some new places and eat some delicious seafood. We even saw a badger at Sleeping Bear Dunes. He crossed the path right in front of us and I knew immediately what he was. They apparently are part of the population and are rarely seen according to AI. However, we got to see him/her although I was happy not to startle him/her for fear of their reputation as ferocious when cornered. All part of the experience and as we settled in for the last sunset at the Tamarack, we were amazed to think that our Jack is now married and that the wedding, which we had talked about for over a year, was here and gone. Marisa was a lovely bride, and Jack was a handsome groom and as they made their way to their honeymoon, Janet and I eventually made the long trek back to Pittsburgh.

Settling in at home again, we both said, experiences are the spice of life. Being with your friends and family. and seeing new and exciting places is what makes life wonderful. As we move along in this life where we are truly empty nesters, we will continue to pack it in and make the most out of life’s experiences. Hoping to share it with grandchildren someday. Thanks for reading.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb
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Dirt Church Base Camp

Greg Nass put together a great visual from AI for this version of Dirt Church. The Christian men’s mountain bike group has had 4 outings so far this year and the fifth Base Camp version in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pa had a lot of surprises. The annual Adventurefest was cancelled this year, but the crew from Dirt Church wanted to at least get together for some rides, some overnight camping at Boyers Pond, and some fellowship that would be missed without Adventurefest. So, a group of us packed all our stuff, and headed to the Laurel Highlands Friday afternoon to set up the camp sites, ride, and then have a great dinner at the Fat Squirrel in Jennerstown

We didn’t count on the torrential thunderstorm that came blowing in right after we set up our tents. The rain fly on my tent held up under Biblical storms, and fortunately the inside of my tent was dry. We made the call to head to the Fat Squirrel for dinner and as usual, we were not disappointed. The food there is superb and if you find yourself in Jennerstown Pa, their vegan options as well as regular fare are second to none.

Vegan mushroom tacos are not to be missed at The Fat Squirrel.

Sometimes you just have to punt, go eat and re-arrange the schedule a little bit. The next surprise was when we were discussing the nearby Flight 93 Memorial. Many of us had been there and it is a somber and emotional experience if you have never been. But Greg told us about the memorial rose garden just up the road and we called another audible and visited what was one of the most beautiful rose gardens I have ever seen. We went on a little hike through and around the gardens and again, Dirt Church Base Camp had another surprise for us. It gave us all something to think about and we said a prayer for that brave flight crew and passengers who will always live in infamy in the Laurel Highlands.

My surprisingly dry tent
The obligatory campfire

Returning from a great meal and an unexpected hike after dinner, we built a camp fire, sat around and had a lot of discussion about the state of country, what we can do as Christian men to advance the Kingdom, and reminisced about our friend Bob Anderson who is now two years passed. Bob attended Adventuremen two years ago, and had his camper parked right in our spot this weekend. He was tragically killed in North Park riding his mountain bike over a downed high voltage electric line. I posted on this previously, but we all remarked how Bob was with us and then 8 days later was gone. But he had a strong faith and although we miss him, we know he is with the Lord. There are no guarantees in life and the Adventuremen and Dirt Church discussions testify to that…….around the campfire.

Saturday morning greeted us with brilliant sunshine and although we expected muddy trails and slimy roots and rocks, we knew that riding the Q or the Quemahoning Reservoir Trails would be a real treat. Another surprise awaited us in the current Base Camp mode, as John Casuccio led us on the ride in the reverse direction to which we were all accustomed to riding. There were some pretty nasty climbs that tested this old guy who is still riding on an analog mountain bike. E- Bikes are looking attractive, but I have not gone there yet. However, there were some climbs where I could have used a little assist. But then again, no pain- no gain as they say.

Riding through the creek at the Q

Dirt Church riding is challenging because usually good riders show up. Along with challenging places to ride, the Dirt Church events are not for the faint of heart. But the good thing about this group is that it is no drop, and everyone waits for each other because racing is not the theme of the event. Riding with friends and having fellowship on the trails is first and foremost. If you come to a Dirt Church event, you can be prepared to be challenged. But know that you will never be left behind, in more ways than one. These guys are regular guys and are happy to discuss faith, families, and will assist, as you let them, with personal struggles. They are a caring group of sinners who can ride. Come out to one of the events and join a fun group. You will sleep under the stars sometimes, ride some challenging routes, eat some fabulous food and enjoy an overall experience that will bring you back – over and over again. Plus- Dirt Church has some pretty sweet swag thanks to Greg Nass. Hats, shirts, stickers, etc. Thanks for reading and follow the blog at http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com. It helps me.

” Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10